Switzerland: 0.5-2 meters resolution DEM - swissALTI3D of Federal Office of Topography, swisstopo

You can use the Plex-Earth features to create terrain models from free, quality data you can find online.

About the Data

Data Download

Use Data for Terrain Model creation

About the Data

Data Provider: Federal Office of Topography, swisstopo

Link: https://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/fr/modele-altimetrique-swissalti3d#swissALTI3D---Download 

Data Type: DEM (Digital Elevation Model)

Resolution: The data is provided as a raster grid with a mesh size of 0.5 m or 2 m. The data is delivered in full 1 km² tiles. The spatial density of the data is not always high enough to provide the finest mesh size (0.5 m). In this case, oversampling is performed.

Update: Six-year cycle

Terms and Conditions: Terms and conditions

More Info: https://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/en/height-model-swissalti3d#Additional-information 

Data Download

1. Visit the following URL: https://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/en/height-model-swissalti3d  and Select SwissALTI3D Download.

2. On the map provided, you locate your area of interest using one of the available options (click, polygon, rectangle, etc).
   
   Then, scroll down lower and put the respective options for your search:
   
   Select GeoTIFF as the format. You can also select the resolution and the time capture period. Once you set them, select Chercher, and the available tiffs will appear. Click on Télécharger to download the TIFF of your choice (here, both 2021 and 2019 years are available).

Use Data for Terrain Model creation

After downloading the data, you can now proceed with creating a terrain model in CAD.

1. In AutoCAD or BricsCAD, go to the Plex-Earth ribbon → click on the Create Terrain dropdown box → Terrain from GeoTIFF → load the GeoTIFF downloaded.

2. In the Import GeoTIFF palette, specify the area by clicking on the Select Area button, then use your mouse cursor to draw a rectangle, and select the desired resolution using the slider.

3. Click on the Import Terrain button

4. Select the Surface Type from the options available:

   • Contour Polylines

   • Points

   • TIN Mesh

   • Civil 3D Surface

   • Create Terrain Model

For the first four options, CAD objects are directly imported, ready to be used in CAD or other software.

The last option creates a Plex-Earth terrain model, which can be saved in your DWG, and with the help of Plex-Earth, customize the terrain further and also insert the data as CAD objects later on.

Check out the full guide here: Create Terrain from GeoTIFF

Here is the result!